A MAJOR initiative to create 119 kilometres of walking, cycling and equestrian routes through South Cheshire will be launched on Friday in the presence of former Independent MP Martin Bell.

The Weaver Way initiative will run the full length of the 60-kilometre long Weaver Valley and will link six towns and 11 villages, and connect to eight regional trails and the National Cycleway.

Stretching from Frodsham in the north to Audlem in the south and through Middlewich to Sandbach, the proposed routes mainly follow the river Weaver Navigation, Trent and Mersey Canal and Shropshire Union Canal.

It will provide unrivalled access for residents and visitors to the Valley's facilities, destinations and countryside.

Mike Cooksley, chairman of The Weaver Valley Management Board, said: 'The Weaver Way is the first of a number of tangible high quality developments that will begin to connect the communities within the Weaver Valley.

'It will improve and co-ordinate a number of existing Rights of Way making this one of the longest and most beautiful multi user routes in the North West based on our most underutilised natural asset our Waterways.'

The Regional Park links Frodsham, Sandbach, Middlewich, Nantwich, Northwich, Winsford and Audlem. The event launch will be at the Anderton Boat Lift at Northwich.

The Weaver Valley Management Board is working in partnership with Cheshire County Council, British Waterways, Vale Royal Borough Council, Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, Congleton Borough Council and local communities.